Lemmon Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Lemmon, South Dakota government websites.
About Lemmon, South Dakota
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The city government of Lemmon, South Dakota, operates under a Mayor-Council system. The governing body is known as the Lemmon City Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of 2 years. The Mayor, who is also elected at-large, serves a similar 2-year term, with the current Mayor being Lyle W. Budget details and financial records are available through official city records or by contacting local government offices. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Economically, Lemmon is notable for its agricultural base, with a significant portion of the local economy relying on farming and ranching. The town hosts the annual "Lemmon Rodeo," which draws participants and spectators from across the region, showcasing the town's commitment to preserving its Western heritage. The local government is led by Mayor Lyle B. Huber, along with a city council that includes members such as John E. Huber and Mary J. Huber, who work to maintain and improve the quality of life in this active community.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Perkins County operates through a coordinated approach between the county and municipal levels. The Perkins County Sheriff's Office handles rural and unincorporated areas, while the Lemmon Police Department maintains jurisdiction within city limits. When major crimes or emergencies arise, these agencies work together to ensure coverage and response throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility for Perkins County is the Perkins County Jail, located in Bison. Once arrested, individuals go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording of personal information. Family members and legal representatives can find information about current detainees through inmate lookup services available at the Sheriff's Office. Visitation requires prior scheduling and adherence to specific guidelines set by the facility.
Arrest Records
The Perkins County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest along with charges and personal information of individuals. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Access to arrest records falls under the South Dakota Sunshine Law, which governs public access to government records. A typical arrest record will include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Court Records
Judicial matters for Lemmon and the surrounding county are handled at the Perkins County Courthouse, situated at 130 4th Street. The Perkins County Circuit Court operates from this location, presiding over a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Those seeking public court records, including case files and dockets, can visit the Clerk of Courts office within the courthouse. The building also houses the Perkins County Magistrate Court, which handles minor legal matters and proceedings.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perkins County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office, along with the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the South Dakota Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers online services for background checks, making it accessible for Perkins County residents seeking criminal records.
Public Records Access
Property records and land information for Lemmon are maintained at the Perkins Director of Equalization's Office, located at 130 4th Street. This office keeps detailed records on property ownership, tax assessments, and zoning details. Residents can access these public records by visiting the assessor's office during regular business hours or by making a request online. For deeds, mortgages, and other real estate-related documents, the Perkins County Register of Deeds at 130 4th Street houses a collection of land records.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lemmon, such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Perkins County Register of Deeds, co-located with the Assessor's Office at 130 4th Street. Residents can obtain copies of these important documents by visiting the office in person or submitting a request by mail. The staff at the Register of Deeds is knowledgeable and dedicated to making sure of the privacy and security of these sensitive records.
Business & Licensing Records
Entrepreneurs and business owners in Lemmon can find necessary information and resources at Lemmon City Hall, located at 107 3rd Street. The city's Planning and Zoning Department oversees the issuance of business licenses, building permits, and zoning approvals. Local businesses must register with the city and obtain appropriate licenses to operate legally within the community. The economic development team also works closely with the business community to support growth and prosperity in this Perkins County city.
Economy & Demographics
Lemmon's economy is firmly rooted in agriculture, with farming and ranching serving as the backbone of the local industry. The town is home to numerous family-owned farms and livestock operations, contributing significantly to the regional agricultural output. The annual Lemmon Rodeo, a long-standing tradition, draws visitors from across the state, providing a boost to the local hospitality and tourism sectors.
Other major employers in the area include the Perkins County School District, the Perkins County Hospital, and various retail and service businesses that cater to the needs of the close-knit Lemmon community.
Elections & Voter Records
The Perkins County Auditor's Office is the official election authority for Lemmon and all of Perkins County. Located at the Perkins County Courthouse, 100 2nd Avenue SW, Lemmon, SD 57638, the office can be reached at 605-244-5623. South Dakota residents can register to vote online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's voter registration portal at https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote.aspx. Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, being at least 18 years old by the next election, and South Dakota residency.
The registration deadline is 15 days before any election, and online registration requires a valid South Dakota driver's license or non-driver ID. Same-day voter registration is not available in the state. As an incorporated city, Lemmon holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. Operating under a council form of government, the city elects its mayor and council members on a non-partisan basis. Municipal elections typically occur in April of odd-numbered years, with the next regular city election scheduled for April 2025. Information about local candidates and ballot measures can be obtained from the Perkins County Auditor's office or Lemmon City Hall. Residents can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Perkins County Auditor directly or using the polling place lookup tool on the South Dakota Secretary of State website at https://vip.sdsos.gov/viplogin.aspx. Most city residents vote at a central location within Lemmon, often at a school or community center. Under South Dakota law (SDCL 12-4-7 and related statutes), voter registration lists are public records available for inspection, though they cannot be used for commercial purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are filed with the South Dakota Secretary of State and are searchable online at https://sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Campaign/CampaignFinance.aspx. Election results by precinct, including those from Lemmon, are published by the Perkins County Auditor after certification and compiled statewide by the Secretary of State. In the November 2024 presidential election, Perkins County reported approximately 1,300-1,400 votes cast, representing roughly 65-70% turnout of registered voters, with strong support for Republican candidates consistent with Perkins County's conservative voting history. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters in Lemmon and Perkins County will decide several important races. South Dakota's gubernatorial election will be held, as the governor serves four-year terms with elections in midterm years. The U.S. House of Representatives sefor South Dakota's At-Large Congressional District will be on the ballot. State legislative races for the South Dakota Senate and House of Representatives will include District 28A, which covers Perkins County. County-level offices up for election in 2026 will include Perkins County Commission seats, County Sheriff, Register of Deeds, State's Attorney, and County Auditor, among others, depending on term expiration schedules. Voters can request absentee ballots through the Perkins County Auditor's office by submitting an absentee ballot application, available online at https://sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/absentee-voting.aspx or from the Perkins County office. Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the day before the election, though earlier deadlines apply for mail delivery. South Dakota does not conduct universal mail-in voting; absentee voting requires a specific application for each election.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online (assessor data available via state portal, but recorded deeds require in-person access to Register of Deeds) | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online (must contact Sheriff's Office directly for current jail roster) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required (online ordering available through VitalChek with fees, but centralized through Pierre) | Business: Yes: Free State Database (Secretary of State business entity search is and free; local licenses require city/county contact) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results (voter registration online, statewide results published, though local candidate info requires county contact) | Overall: 6.5/10, Perkins County and Lemmon provide reasonable access to public records through a combination of state-level online portals and local county offices, though some records still require in-person visits or direct contact with the courthouse in Lemmon, which is typical for smaller rural counties in South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota?
Public schools in Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the South Dakota Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota?
Crime data for Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Lemmon police department or the Perkins County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota Library?
The Lemmon Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Perkins County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota Public Library located?
The Lemmon Public Library serves residents of Lemmon and the surrounding Perkins County area in South Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Perkins County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Lemmon, South Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Perkins County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Lemmon Police Department or Perkins County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Lemmon, Perkins County, South Dakota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the South Dakota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Perkins County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Lemmon, South Dakota?
To register to vote in Lemmon, South Dakota, residents can register online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Perkins County elections office. South Dakota requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the South Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Lemmon, contact the Perkins County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Lemmon, South Dakota?
Property records for Lemmon, South Dakota are maintained by the Perkins Director of Equalization's Office and the Perkins County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Perkins County, including parcels in Lemmon. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Perkins County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many South Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Perkins County offices at the county courthouse. The Perkins County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Lemmon, South Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Lemmon, South Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The South Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Pierre, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in South Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Perkins County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Perkins County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Lemmon, South Dakota?
Business licensing for Lemmon, South Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Lemmon town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Lemmon limits. Perkins County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all South Dakota businesses must register with the South Dakota Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the South Dakota Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant South Dakota licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Lemmon, contact the Lemmon clerk's office and the Perkins County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Perkins County, South Dakota
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: